The HAPPINESS Factor – An Equation that Matters

There are many theories about what makes people happy, one leading theory is based on positive psychology and the work of three professors, Lyubomirsky/Diener/Seligman, it is what they call the happiness formula.

Now I’m not too excited about formulas generally, but this one gets me excited!

H=S+C+V

Huh?? Allow me to explain…

Happiness = Set Point + Conditions of Living + Voluntary Activities.

Your brain’s set point determines how naturally happy you are. According to researchers, a person’s set point is responsible for about 40% of a person’s experience of happiness. There is not much we can do about this set point, some folks were just born with a smile on their face(you know who you are!). FYI, I wasn’t. If your parents interpreted situations as problems rather than as opportunities, you have a greater chance of seeing life the same way. If your parents were ‘the glass half full’ type of people – well lucky you!

The second factor is the ‘C,’ conditions of living, this factor only seems to contribute 7-12% of the total happiness experience. Studies show that if something incredible happens to you, you will indeed be ecstatic but by the end of the year you will most likely be back to where you started – likewise if something horrific happens – you won’t be miserable as long as you think you will be.

The GREAT news is that almost 50% of the happiness formula depends on factor number three –‘V’ – voluntary activities, the things we choose to do every day, including the way we choose to feel.

This month’s Harvard Business Review (HBR) is stuffed full of happiness research, data and interesting facts. I was too cheap to buy it (did you know the HBR cost $16.95 US – it’s a magazine, yesh!). Anyway without buying it the only data I can report back to you is… the smiley face was designed in 1963, (what were you doing in 1963?). I think I should go back and buy the magazine, what do you think?

On the other hand, the HAPPY movie is a wonderfully uplifting documentary that explores many secrets behind our most valued emotion and takes us literally around the world to help us discover how we can be happier, right where we are!

If you are in the Winnipeg area we are going to be celebrating World HAPPY Day, Saturday February 11, 2012, by having an exculsive event called Motivation, The HAPPY Movie and More, with all proceeds going to MS (it could be the best ten bucks you spend this year). I will be doing a little chat and no crankly people are allowed to come! Well, maybe we should let them come and hope it helps them get HAPPY!??

In any case …

What’s very cool is that on this same day thousands of people all over the world will be gathering to watch this special film which may change the way you think about life and positively impact your view of the world. For information on how you can screen the movie in your area visit the HAPPY website.

Join me to celebrate World HAPPY Day . Seating is limited. Order online now!

So whether you read about being HAPPY or watch the HAPPY movie, do something this month to increase your happiness factor. The world will be HAPPY with and for you!

Oh, and of course, HAPPY Valentine’s Day,too!

Steph

PS – join me on FB – www.facebook.com/yourlifeunlimited

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Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited

by Stephanie Staples

The HAPPINESS Factor – An Equation that Matters

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